From bait to delicacy - calamari tastings at Clive's Chokka Block.
On a warm summer’s day in the waters around St Francis Bay, you may have the privilege to come across one of the sea’s most fascinating creatures. Once thought of as being nothing better than bait, she is now so sought after abroad that this special delicacy from our coastline seldom graces local tables.
Her slim body and eight legs pirouette through the ocean. Her diamond fins flap elegantly as she sways with the underwater foliage. Suddenly she shoots forward on a stream of water leaving an explosion of bubbles in her wake. In a flash, two tentacles whip forward to grab an unsuspecting small fish – little suckers securing the prey.
A temptress in her many guises and forms with the ability to squeeze through a space as big as her beak, the females are picky when it comes to a mate. Courtship begins far above the egg bed. Once the romance blooms, the male uses one of his long arms to place his sperm near where the egg will appear and stays with his lady until the egg has been fertilised. He gallantly escorts her to the egg bed as she cradles her eggs in her arms. Jealous bachelors try their luck at breaking the union and devious tactics are needed to ward off other suitors. Males use their incredible ability to communicate and distract with an ever-changing display of patterns and colours on their mantle. Small pockets of dye create a dazzling spectacle as they flex and contract their inky muscles.
Once they reach the egg bed, the male must still be on his guard as it is now when other large males might try to assert their masculinity and fertilise the eggs. With sperm coming at her from all directions, her mate pulls out all stops in the colour department to defend his damsel in distress. But in the end, this smart lady of the sea chooses the healthiest sperm and lays between 100 and 150 eggs in strands of a jellylike substance attached to the ocean bed or a reef. It will be around twenty days before the squidlings hatch, if the water is warm, the incubation period might be slightly shorter.
The baby chokka will have 8-12 months to frolic in the ocean, squirting around in their undersea playground. Once they have reached maturity, they must head back to the spawning ground. After the deed has been done and eggs laid, the beautiful Loligo renaudii (aka calamari) reach the end of their lifespan and either die a natural death or end up being served in a pool of butter.
At noon, on the 23rd of November, the chokka season opened. Port St Francis, one of the only private ports in South Africa and the heartbeat of the chokka industry, was busier than ever. Inspectors whizzed back and forth between anchored fishing vessels, ready to hit the waters while fishermen were ferried to waiting boats ready to cast their lines and lures.
We were lucky enough to have a bird’s eye view of all the action from Clive’s Chokka Block in the port. We also got to spend time with Clive and learn all about the calamari from our waters. The knowledge and passion this restaurateur and chef has for the Loligo reynaudii or the squid better known as chokka will not only inspire you to never want to eat any other calamari again, but also give you a whole new understanding of the sea creature that drives one of the major industries in our area.
We booked a calamari tasting with Clive to give a visitor from the States a taste of the port. Not only do you learn about the biological makeup of chokka but he also describes the way it is fished and compares it to other calamari both through taste and fishing practices.
Clive comes from a family of chefs of French and Mauritian descent and grew up in Durban. He has worked extensively in the fishing industry and has consulted globally on sustainable fishing practices. Following the family tradition, he moved to St Francis Bay seven years ago and opened “Clive’s Chokka Block.” His restaurant is one of the few places in South Africa that serves local calamari prepared in previously unimagined cuts. He has made it his mission to dispel the notion that chokka is only good as bait and educate patrons about this treasure of our coastline that has breeding grounds between Port Elizabeth and St Francis Bay.
The calamari catchers
The practice of fishing for calamari requires a skilled fisherman who can operate in challenging conditions, often working twenty hours in a row and rotating bunks with crew members for 21 days.
‘Everything you have heard about fishermen is true.’ Clive told us with a glint in his eye.
Generally, fishermen are prohibited from going ashore during their time on the boat (even if the weather is bad or the chokka are not biting) as it seems these guys enjoy ‘liquid refreshment’ a little too much. They are also superstitious about certain things, one being that if you shower while out fishing you wash your luck away. Chokka fishermen are paid per kilogram, so each man makes his own fortune.
How it works
We’ve all seen the armada of chokka boats on the horizon at night with their lights glistening. I’m sure many of us assume that the lights are there to attract the chokka. I was surprised to learn that the lights attract the fish that chokka like to prey on and the squid hang out in the shadows waiting to pounce. Because the chokka are found in the shadows, the lights on the boat are positioned so that the shadow falls just where the fisherman throws in his jigger.
Our calamari is only caught manually using a line in a process called jigging. A fishing line with a special lure called a dolly and a bit of wood to wrap the line around are used. As squid can also be caught during daylight hours nearer the ocean bed, two types of dollies are used – a light, luminescent one for the night and a weighted, larger one for during the day.
Experienced fishermen can handle up to three lines at a time. As the bulk of our calamari is exported to Europe, strict EU fishing standards must be upheld aboard. No other line fish besides calamari is allowed to be caught and strict protocols for freezing the fish must be implemented. Calamari is blast frozen on the boat and then glossed with seawater and transferred to a bigger freezer.
Unfortunately, this practice of ethical fishing does not happen globally. To drive the point home, Clive showed us a few videos of how calamari are caught commercially in other places using mechanical jigs. How the squid are caught and stored appears to be relatively unregulated and often standard of hygiene seem to be questionable (https://youtu.be/Blo0lZigay0?si=VffUVYPcC2yubys-). For an animal that only breeds once in its lifetime, there is concern over depleting resources.
Squid dissection
Another highlight was watching Clive dissect a squid, explaining the body parts and function as he went. Each squid is prepared by hand in his kitchen (during the busy seasons he hires people specifically for this job). The shiny membranes, the mantle that looks like fairy wings, the birdlike beak, the perfect little suckers on the tentacles and the ink pod with its black gold – nature’s attention to detail and magnificent beauty at every point is mind-blowing and humbling.
Local vs imported calamari
To demonstrate the superior quality of local calamari, Clive prepared some calamari from China and Argentina. He prepared each sample identically and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc was used as a palette cleanser between tastes. Without giving too much away, suffice it to say that it was obvious how far superior local calamari is. We can eat it with the knowledge that it has been caught sustainably and not injected with water to bulk it up.
Many thanks to Clive and his staff at Clive’s Chokka Block restaurant for the wonderful information.
Book your tasting! Call +27 (42) 294-1615 or +27 (60) 305-0972 | Website: https://chokkablock.co.za
Pat Holme’s amazing chokka light creations
With our piqued interest in all things chokka, we have to mention one of our very talented Dune Daisies readers. Pat Holmes makes the most amazing lamps using the giant bulbs from decommissioned chokka boats. Having had a house in St Francis since 1980, Pat has watched the industry flourish and came up with the idea to recycle these lights in 2014. Over the years he has perfected his lamp-making skills and fits each light with a customised fitting and top. Every lamp is unique. In addition to hanging lights, Pat is also now making standing lamps using galvanised tubing – very chic. If you would like to see these lights, pop into Nevermind where some are up in the restaurant. Alternatively, give Pat a call at +27 (73) 1640-622 and he will undoubtedly have a creative solution for you.
Donate your threads, Daisies!
THE STREET STORE: LET’S HELP CLOTHE ALL THE DAISIES IN ST FRANCIS BAY
The indignities of poverty are profound, multifaceted and often disguised behind the public ‘face’ of poverty. Truthfully, how many of us have wondered what happens beyond our cash donations and clothing drop-offs at the local thrift store? As morally uncomfortable as it may be, have we ever put ourselves in the position of someone who has no idea where their next meal will come from, or how they will survive the next chilly night with threadbare clothes? Imagine what it must feel like to have no choice in what you receive or what shape your gifted clothes come in.
Well, thankfully for us at Dune Daisies, all of our readers out there, and for the over half a million fortunate recipients across the globe, an amazing team in Cape Town have. Enter the Street Store, the world’s first ‘free’ store for the homeless and those in need. Created in 2014, by M&C Saatchi Abel’s Kayli Levitan and Max Pazak, the Street Store aims to provide a unique ‘shopping’ experience, one which restores dignity and pride to the act of receiving clothing donations. To date, over 1000 stores in 100s of cities across the globe have sprung up on street corners, in community halls and school playgrounds – anywhere where there is a need and a free space to set up ‘shop’.
The concept is beautifully simple. Anyone can host a Street Store by registering on www.thestreetstore.org and taking the Street Store pledge. They are then given free access to downloadable & printable cardboard designs. These documents are available in over 14 languages – testimony to this initiative’s global reach. Once the printed cardboard hangers are ready, the donated items are hung up (in whatever ‘free’ space has been chosen) and a shopping experience is created. Volunteers then help ‘customers’ to browse the options and choose desired clothing, all in a safe, relaxed, dignified environment.
What’s more, St Francis Bay will boast its very own Street Store next month. We caught up with Sam Harpur, of local NPO Heart-Strings, who is the driving force behind hosting this incredible initiative.
DD: Hi Sam, Dune Daisies heard that you are the inspiration behind bringing the Street Store to St Francis Bay. Can you tell our readers exactly what the Street Store is?
Sam: The Street store is a concept that originated in Cape Town and has become a global success story. It is the world’s first rent-free, premises-free, free pop-up clothing store for those in need. It gives those in need the dignity of a shopping experience without having to pay for anything. Everyone deserves the opportunity to choose clothing instead of just getting clothes handed down to them.
DD: What made you want to bring this concept to our home town?
Sam: We were fortunate enough to get invited to a talk by Mike Abel from M&C Saatchi Abel, as part of a Client Care investment function. It was during this talk that Mike introduced the Street Store concept as one of his passionate community projects. When we heard about it, we immediately felt that it could be a project that would make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members. And so the 1002nd Street Store, in St Francis Bay, was created.
DD: You mentioned while we were chatting that you plan to meet with key community leaders to discuss how to make sure that the items reach those who need them the most.
Sam: We are in the process of coming up with an invitation system. We will be working with community leaders to identify the community members who are in the most desperate situations and then extend an invitation to these people. We don’t want a situation whereby we only have sufficient clothes to assist 100 people and have 500 arrive on the day. Logistically it could be tricky to manage large crowds of expectant people.
DD: Has this type of community work been a long-time passion of yours?
Sam: We have always had a heart for people and reaching out but really felt a strong call to make a meaningful difference when moving to St Francis Bay. We love that we can live in a small town and invest our efforts into our community.
DD: Can you tell our readers more about the other work that you and your partners are doing in the community? (keep an eye out for future posts delving deeper into what these awesome ladies are busy with)
Sam: Our Non-Profit Company called Heart-Strings has been born out of a love for community and has recently been officially registered. We are 3 women, having moved to St Francis, that have a common heart and different passions. Kim Cornish, a nurse, has a heart for well-being initiatives in the community. Nicola Lyle, a High School Teacher, is passionate about making a difference with the youth and hopefully investing her effort into the future high school we foresee in St Francis Bay. I am Early Childhood Development trained and determined to create a stronger foundation at the grassroots level and am passionate about increasing early literature exposure.
DD: So, how can our readers help with the Street Store? Do you need volunteers or donations – what can we do?
Sam: Our most immediate need is for the donation of clothing, without clothing we don’t have a Street Store. We are appealing for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. Items can be dropped off at the Client Care Offices in the Old Village Shopping Centre, behind Calibre Security and next to Off The Menu Restaurant.
We are also always looking for extra sets of hands to sort clothing, to assist in organizing the event and assist us on the day.
DD: Can any kind of clothing be donated?
Sam: We would be so grateful for any and every bit of clothing including shoes, hats, bags and jackets. We will sort them by gender, size and type.
DD: What if we have items that are not in great condition – should we bring them along anyway?
Sam: We are appealing for items that are still in good condition as we really want this to be an opportunity for these community members to choose lovely items of clothing that they would be proud to wear.
DD: We heard you may be sharing more at the SFB Brewery’s next Story Slam – can you tell us a bit about that?
Sam: Yes, we are very excited to have been invited to the next Story Slam on the 20th of July. My husband, Frank, will be sharing information about the Street Store and how our community can get involved. There will be an opportunity to drop off donated items at this event.
DD: Can you suggest any additional sources that keen readers can follow up on?
Sam: We have recently been awarded the distribution rights, for our area, for an incredible early literature program called Book Dash. We have over 326 children in the Sea Vista Community that will be receiving their own books in the next few weeks. These books are in English and their home language. The website is www.bookdash.org. This is a great resource for free digital children’s books. I have also been reading an incredible book called Mission Possible by Tim Tebow. It is a great book of faith, living mission-minded and finding your purpose.
Know your daisy
I was born in Johannesburg in 1983. I am very lucky to be a wife to Frank and mother to Madison (14) and Troy (12). We have three furry family members – Satara, Kyra and Chloe. We relocated to SFB 1 ½ years ago, post covid, and have been establishing a beautiful life in our small town. Having chosen a complete reset, we are investing our time into our children, building our businesses and community projects that are close to our hearts. We love the outdoors, especially adventuring into the African bushveld at every opportunity we can get and exploring our new backyard (the Eastern Cape).
I love running and feel blessed every time I put my takkies on and get to run around our scenic beach town, it still takes my breath away (because of its beauty and because I am unfit). My favourite place in St Francis is Bruce’s Coffee Shop where we can sip on a delicious cappuccino while we look out onto our magnificent ocean. In my downtime, I enjoy reading, spending time with my precious family and watching my daughter horse ride and my son play soccer.
So to all the Dune Daisy readers out there (and your aunties, friends & neighbours), this is a call to action to gather up your unwanted and unused clothes and donate them to this amazing cause – you will be helping not only the environment (Small Town Swaps & Sustainably Dressed Daisies – Dune Daisies ) but also the less fortunate who call this beautiful place home.
.
Tending your Daisies
Most of you will have tried to grow a thing or two, whether it be a lemon tree in the back garden, some mint by the tap, a decorative pot of basil on your window sill, or even just your child’s straggly school-project runner bean. We at Dune Daisies applaud you for your efforts and have faith that they have not been in vain, whatever your success rate (disclaimer: we both confess to having killed the odd plant or two, entirely by accident). In our books, any attempt at planting deserves a daisy high five.
We also understand that this time of year is particularly trying for those attempting to grow the odd salad green. It’s just too cold, there’s not enough sun and the back garden has become a football pitch/dogs running track/weed-infested jungle while your back was turned. Well, as we have often mentioned, we are here to make your lives that little bit sparklier. So please do read on to find out how, what and where you can grow some edible greens during these winter months.
On your marks…
First up, you need to assess what space you have to grow your greens as that will determine your ultimate seed/planting choice. Here are a few options:
1) Indoor windowsill/Indoor pots
We do not all have the luxury of sprawling acres of garden in which to plant. Fear not – there are a variety of greens that will happily grow inside in a pot or otherwise well-drained container inside your house. Herbs are particularly useful to have on hand on your kitchen windowsill when preparing meals. A sunny spot behind a warming glass will allow you to grow summer fruits and veggies, deep into the winter months (think along the lines of the season extending benefits of greenhouses).
2) Planting boxes
Timber planting boxes that stand a few feet off the ground are not only amazing for those who have tiled/concrete gardens, but have the added benefit of being moveable – this flexibility allows you to maximise sun and shade around your house during the different seasons. During winter, you should aim to place your planting boxes in an area protected by the wind, but receiving maximum sunlight and warmth. Increase your available planting area by placing your planting box against a wall and allowing winter greens, such as peas, to climb up. You will not only be able to harvest more greens, but you will also beautify your erstwhile bare wall.
And for those who cannot source planting boxes, old car tyres will work just as well – and they can be stacked on top of one another to create deeper planting mediums.
3) Garden beds
The winter growing options available to you as the ‘ground gardener’ will all depend on how much sunlight your winter garden bed receives. Remember that the number of hours as well as the intensity of sunlight in winter is drastically reduced when compared to the sizzling summer sun. If you are lucky to have a well sheltered spot of garden, that gets its fair share of winter sun, plant from the list we have provided.
4) None of the above
If you are struggling to find the right place and spot to plant your winter garden, put word out there in your community, get together with a friend or two and make it happen. There are inspiring examples of kerbsides becoming blooming edible gardens, old recycled cars sprouting onions from their open bonnets and cooperative garden clubs for those that want some company whilst donning their green fingers.
perma·cul·ture (noun)
“the development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.”
WANT TO LEARN MORE & BECOME A GARDEN GURU?
Permaculture design course Courses – Permaculture Design
Get set…
So, now that you have earmarked where you are going to plant and what you are going to plant, a vital component determining the success rate of your green fingers project is your planting medium (ie: the soil). And not just any soil will do. We recommend getting in touch with either Clint at the Farmyard Nursery (Facebook), John Davies or Andrew at St Francis Bay Organics to obtain a couple of bags of affordable, top-grade potting soil/vermicast/compost to give your plants the best chance in life. And please don’t forget the importance of good draining before the soil gets chucked on!
And plant…
Okay, the time has come, you have done your research and created the best possible planting place and medium for your winter garden and you have sourced the appropriate seeds and seedlings. Now comes the fun bit. Remember to space out your plants/seeds with an eye to the size of your future harvest – no self-respecting bean wants to be too close to those pesky, sprawling swiss chards. Check online or on the back of seed packets for spacing recommendations. Watering in these drought-filled months will always be an issue; be mindful of how often and when you water your plants – top tip: utilise the last dregs of your fur baby’s water bowl, catch the extra water used to prime your coffee machine and collect your dish wash water in the sink – your veggies and our local dam levels with thank you. One last word on waterwise gardening (and this really deserves its own blog); one cardinal rule is to never have any bare soil showing in between your greens. Yes, we know that it looks tidy and pretty to all you A-types out there, but it’s just not sustainable. Breathe in, allow a bit of wild into your garden (whether it be a pot/container or bed), mulch away and ensure that every bit of water you pour around your plants gets utilised (and not evaporated or runoff).
DIG DEEPER:
Websites: Life is a garden https://www.lifeisagarden.co.za/growing_a_veggie_patch_for_beginners/
Seeds for Africa: Planting guide for the Eastern Cape
https://www.seedsforafrica.co.za/pages/eastern-cape-vegetable-planting-guide
BEDSIDE READING TO INSPIRE SLEEPY SEEDLINGS:
Jane’s Delicious Garden
FILL UP YOUR SEEDLING & SEED SHOPPING BAG
- Co-op in Humansdorp
- Garden Gallery SFB
- The Farmyard Nursery
- Green Box
- Online heirloom seeds
- SF College has seeds and seedlings for sale.
- Seeds for Africa
- SandVeld Organics
- Living Seeds
And don’t forget….
Gardening is a lesson in patience, gratitude, determination, empathy and … more patience. If at first you don’t succeed, have another go, just please don’t give up. As when you bite into that first winter-grown bean or fill your sarmie with some fresh, crunchy, just picked lettuce, you will feel thankful for these small blessings.
PS All soils are NOT created equal:
- Potting Soil – for planting in containers
- Vermicast – to add to soil to help with water retention and nutrients
- Compost – to add to soil to boost nutrients
Small Town Swaps & Sustainably Dressed Daisies
Choosing blog topics at Dune Daisies is always fun as we get a chance to don our creative hats and think about not only inspiring issues, but also ones we feel would interest our fellow readers. This particular blog was top of our to-do list and grew from a short story that was entered into the St Francis Today monthly writing competition. It began as an account of a feel-good experience of bartering and second-hand clothes shopping in our beautiful town. However, when we delved deeper into the closet of sustainability in the fashion industry, we uncovered a few proverbial skeletons (and they were not dressed for success).
We hope you enjoy the short story and related insights uncovered when we scratched around in the back of the wardrobe.
SMALL TOWN SWOPS: A short story by Sas
Small towns are known for their charm, special ways and individuality. I am sure you’ll agree St Francis Bay is no different. We have our own sports clubs, pizza combos, pale ales, surf breaks and bumper stickers. The views are breath-taking and there is a plethora of unique opportunities for its citizens. And let’s not forget the blissful lack of robots or rush hour. One of my (many) favourite things about the small town we call home is its brilliant barter system. Have something to offer? There’s a good chance that you will be able to swop it for items you desire. It’s all about knowing the people around you; something which is possible in St Francis Bay. And the beauty of a good barter is that you always give and receive more than the monetary value of the goods in question. I would love to share with you one of my bartering bonanza experiences. Growing up overseas, I went to a high school where matric dances were not the massive productions that they are here. We borrowed dresses, did each other’s hair and were lucky if a photo or two were taken by the math teacher outside the school hall. So, it was with disbelief that I learnt about the extent and complexity of my daughter Jemma’s upcoming matric dance preparations. The dress code for her school was long and white. Seriously? Make no mistake, I am a huge fan of tradition, but ‘long and white’ sounded very much like a wedding dress to me – help! Desperate to find a dress that would make both Jemma and our budget happy, I went to my favourite clothing shop; Gently Worn. This boutique is home to not only a wide range of pre-loved clothes, but the owners also happened to be customers of my organic vegetable business. The arrangement we had was this; I would deliver a weekly box of veggies and Angela would translate that into a credit, allowing me to ‘purchase’ her pre-loved clothes. No cash ever changed hands, and we both felt we were getting an amazing deal. On the hunt for miracle, Jemma and I browsed the rails and there, tucked in between a 70s floral house coat and a maroon jumpsuit, we found an utterly gorgeous, beautifully embroidered white wedding dress. When she stepped behind the changing room curtain to try it on, we all held our breath. She emerged triumphant. Not only did it fit, but she loved it, and it met the dress code! When we arrived at the till to settle up, Angela happily announced that I had enough credit (from my veggie sales) to cover its cost. The day of the matric dance arrived and Jemma looked stunning, graciously receiving many compliments on her appearance. I overheard a friend of hers asking, “your dress is to die for Jems! Where did you find get it? In Johannesburg? Or did you get it specially designed for you in Cape Town?” Jemma looked over to where Anton and I were standing and, with a slight, sardonic raise of her eyebrow replied, “my mum bought it for a box of vegetables.” And that is why I love this town.
Understanding the lingo:
Fast Fashion: Fashion that is cheap, quickly manufactured and disposable. Fashion that has a speedy turnaround and aims to bring expensive catwalk trends to the ‘man’ on the street.
Slow Fashion: Similar to sustainable fashion in that it aims to be ethically sourced, environmentally sound, locally made, high quality and honours textile workers’ social & cultural rights.
Thrifting: To shop for used clothing, whether it be at a garage sale, flea market, estate sale, charity store, donation centre, or a used clothing store.
Fashion-flipping: To buy second-hand garments for resale (they can be altered, mended or upcycled before the resale).
Greenwashing: Misleading or deceptive publicity regarding how environmentally friendly a product is.
The Environmental Impact of Fashion
The equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second (UNEP, 2018)
Approximately 60% of all materials used by the fashion industry are made from plastic (UNEP, 2019)
500,000 tons of microfibers are released into the ocean each year from washing clothes — the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017)
That the world of fashion has a lot to answer for in terms of social, ethical and environmental responsibility is nothing new. We have all watched appalled as overcrowded, life-threatening, dehumanising sweatshops have been exposed. We have gasped in horror as rivers turned green, poisoned by chemical effluent from textile factories. And we have averted our eyes and shrugged our shoulders as our teenagers have pressurised us into buying the latest, coolest, fast fashion trends, hot off the catwalk and now in our local malls. Clearly, there are a multitude of destructive social and environmental consequences stemming from the life cycle of a fast fashion garment.
D
aisies, it’s time to say goodbye to mindless consumerism and embrace conscious, sustainable, ethical shopping. It’s time to take a moment, pause, breathe deeply and embrace slow fashion. Trust us, you won’t regret it, and importantly, you’ll look good too 😉.
Luckily, we have a number of options at our fingertips: one of which is buying pre-loved clothes. The demand for second-hand garments is set to skyrocket (by up to 185% in the next 10 years vs a paltry 10% increase in fast fashion: thredup.com). The fusty, dingy thrift stores of the ‘80s have been replaced by modern, appealing boutiques, such as Gently Worn. And if digital browsing is more up your alley, there are a variety of online pre-loved and vintage sites on offer.
Gently Worn, and our other favourite, Vintage with Love SA, are not only in the business of acquiring and selling second-hand clothes, but they are also true ethical and sustainability warriors. Vintage with Love SA has donated over R9 million to numerous charities, from their pre-loved goods sales (Pre-loved Clothes | Vintage With Love). And here in St Francis Bay, Angela and her staff at Gently Worn make sure that the clothes received, if not sold, definitely do not end up polluting a landfill. Any unwanted items are boxed and donated to Freddie Van Rooyen. As well as being part of Kouga Disaster Management, Freddie also runs an NPO in Jeffrey’s Bay called Masikhathaleleneni. His outreach covers the entire Kouga region and all who live there, providing clothing, furniture and food parcels to those in need. In exchange for Gently Worn’s unwanted clothes, Freddie donates food to the soup kitchens in St Francis Bay. And last Christmas, his organisation provided festive food hampers to 10 local needy families (who had been identified by Pastor Andrew Vena and Catherine Falconer of the Green Box (greenboxorders).
So fellow daisies, even if you are struggling to adjust to the thought of buying pre-loved, please consider a visit to your local thrift shop, and ensure that your unwanted garments find a new home in a skeleton-free closet.
OTHER WAYS TO FIND YOUR ETHICAL FASHION GROOVE
- Be like twyg (twyg.co.za) and host a swap & mend group. Grab a friend, some snacks and wine and revitalise or exchange your unwanted garments.
- Support local brands (we have awesome local designers in our town, such as Shelly @surfsense Surf Sense | Handmade Surf & Swimwear – Surf Sense SA, Carrin @ Surfeez Handmade Beachwear St Francis Bay | Surfeez | Eastern Cape, Angie @ Salty Dog Surf Wear (1) Salty Dog Surf Wear | Facebook & Maria @ Shakti Shanti Where To Buy – Shakti Shanti (shaktishantiyogawear.com)
- Reduce the number of garments you buy, choose quality over quantity and opt for a capsule wardrobe The Ultimate Guide: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe (modernminimalism.com)
- Research ethical and sustainable brands & shop consciously Why Fashion Needs to Be More Sustainable – Sustainable Living (columbia.edu)
The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of humanity’s carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined (UNEP, 2018). If the fashion sector continues on its current trajectory, that share of the carbon budget could jump to 26% by 2050 (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017)
Some 93 billion cubic metres of water – enough to meet the needs of five million people – is used by the fashion industry annually, contributing significantly to water scarcity in some regions (UNCTAD, 2020)
Around 20% of industrial wastewater pollution worldwide originates from the fashion industry (WRI, 2017)
WHERE TO FIND YOUR NEXT VINTAGE GARMENT:
Instagram/online shops: wolf_the_vintage_store / vintagelovercpt / vinatgewithlovesa
Whatsapp & Telegram groups: Pre-loved St Francis Bay
Markets:
- St Francis Bay: St Francis Bay Market – St Francis Bay Food and Craft Markets (stfrancismarket.co.za)
- Jeffrey’s Bay: Milkwood Mark \ Market | Jeffrey’s Bay | Facebook
Boutiques: Gently Worn / SPCA & Hospice shops in Jeffreys Bay
Everything we wish we had known before...hiking a multi-day trail
A common utterance over cups of morning coffee at Dune Daisies Headquarters is “we wish we’d known (…) before we (…).” Which is then followed either by inspired Google searches or cringeworthy laments. Surely, we can’t be the only ones who have wished for such things? When we started to note them down, the list was substantial, and we would love to share them with you.
This month, we’d like to start with unpacking (‘scuse the pun) “everything we wished we had known to pack before we went on our multi-day hike.”
Hiking as a form of exercise and adventure has become vastly popular. There are trails over mountain ranges, through forests and hugging rugged coastlines. In our neck of the woods, there are a variety of established trails, ranging from one hour to five days, 2kms to 90. However, your enjoyment of these hikes can be marred by your degree of preparedness.
It’s one thing to forget your water bottle when you take the dog for a half an hour amble down the road and quite another when you have 5 hours to get to your next pit stop with not a drop to drink. It could actually become a safety concern. Luckily, there are no excuses to be properly kitted out as the marketplace is literally flooded with every piece of equipment you could ever dream of taking with you (including things you didn’t!).
Congratulations, you have taken the plunge and booked your first ever multi-day hike! Once the payments, dates and hiking party have been finalised, your organisers will provide you with all sorts of information on your upcoming adventure; distance & average duration of each day’s walk, accommodation options, points of interest, transport details and … what to pack. This last item will depend on how long your trail is, but we (together with some of our trusty hiking buddies) have narrowed down a few must-haves to include. So that you don’t have to declare “I wish I’d known to pack that before I went on my hike”. Interested? Come and let’s pack your bag….
Hiking day pack
Depending on whether or not you are slackpacking or carrying all your gear, your requirements for a day pack will vary. If slackpacking (we love this option!), it’s important to have a good quality day pack that can fit the following: space for 3ls liquid; sarong (for drying off after swims & lying on when you take a much needed rest); buff (you can wet your buff beforehand and keep it in a ziplock bag for that extra coolness if hiking in hot weather); lunch pack and long sleeve top or lightweight jacket (for a range of weather). The day pack should have good back support and ideally have zips on the waist belt to pack your phone (for pics), sunscreen and easily accessible snacks.
Overnight bag/pack
Again, this depends on the requirements of your particular hike, but stick to the ‘less is more’ adage and you won’t go wrong. A small pillow and good quality sleeping bag (that’s not your auntie’s ‘70’s double duvet version) will reduce your packing size. And if you happen to be sharing a bunk room/tent, don’t forget the eye patches and ear plugs to ensure a good night’s rest!
Dig deeper: Hiking Routes
- Seal Point/Wild Side trails (www.kougatourism.com/walk-on-the-wild-side) / (https://foster.org.za/seal-point-2/)
- Chokka Trail (https://chokkatrail.co.za)
- Baviaans Camino (http://www.baviaanscamino.com)
- Leopard Trail (https://gobaviaans.co.za/project/leopard-trail-general-information/)
- Otter Trail (www.sanparks.org)
“ You’ll need special shoes for hiking – and a bit of a special soul as well.”
Terri Guillemets
Grab a bag
- Hiking shops: www.capeunionmart.co.za, www.takealot.com, www.naturehike.co.za
- Second hand gear: www.gumtree.co.za or visit your local seconds shop
- Borrow from a friend
Water bladder
These are very nifty water packs that you fill up, put in your day pack and allow you to suck water/liquid from an attachment that snakes over your shoulder. They come in different sizes from 500mls to 2ls. Benefits: you don’t have to hold up your walking crew while you stop, lug out your water bottle, drink, put it back in, ho-hum (you get the idea); when empty, the bladder becomes literally weightless; you can add ice if walking in hot temps or an isotonic drink if you need extra hydration. Drawbacks: they can leak! Ensure that your water bladder is intact and sealable before your hike, otherwise you’ll end up with a soggy bottom (trust me, we have been there!).
Micropore / Vaseline / Zambuck / Vicks
You will thank us when you include these to carry in your day pack. Tape micropore over any ‘hot spot’ that you may feel will erupt into a blister and sabotage your walking enjoyment for the day. Those who wish to err on the side of caution can tape each toe in the morning before the day’s hike (just make sure there is no dirt to cause friction). To eliminate any potential abrasion, you can always liberally apply Vaseline or Zambuck in between your toes and all over your feet – the theory is that any small particles of sand/dirt will be unable to find purchase on your skin and cause blisters. Zambuck is a fabulous all-rounder for stings, blisters & moisturising lip balm, plus the packaging is iconic. An evening rub with Vicks can help soothe even the sorest of feet. While we are on the topic of feet, a great tip we received is to take your shoes and socks off when you stop to rest – let those hard-working feet take a breather while you do.
Tyre & transport savvy
There’s a good chance the start of your trail is found at the end of a long dirt road. And so remember to pack your common sense and reduce your car’s tyre pressure. Softer tyres are less likely to puncture. Make sure you have directions to your destination on hand. Cell reception is patchy in the wilderness and GPS is not helpful, so clear, concise directions are a must-have.
Energy
We’re talking battery power here, not muscle power; for cameras, rechargeable headlight batteries, cell phones, etc. A power bank is super useful even if your accommodation claims to have solar. Infrastructure can fail in the wild, and it’s good to be self-sufficient where energy is concerned.
Hiking sticks
Hold on, hiking sticks? Believe us. Beg, borrow or buy a pair, and you will not be sorry. Your hiking sticks will become your favourite accessory. They will help you scramble up that rocky incline, stop you from wobbling off that ledge and give you a much needed support to lean on when your breath leaves you. Another plus is that even though they come in pairs, you can use just the one and lend its pair to your walking buddy.
Snacks & lunches on the go
Everyone loves a snack and as your body exerts itself up those mountains, it will thank you for the added nutrition and energy. There are many online sites to browse for self-prepared trail mix inspiration (www.thepioneerwoman.com) and delicious salad options (or you can try out our cabbage salad recipe).
Earth friendly toiletries
Remember to pack biodegradable nappy bags for when you need to ‘go’ en route. Even if you dig a hole, do NOT leave dirty loo paper lying around. It’s a big no-no. Shampoo bars and environmentally friendly soaps are also a must-have to pack. Many rest camps have showers that drain straight into the earth. There’s no room for chemicals in the wilderness.
Dry Bag
These are worthwhile accessories ranging in size from 5-50l. Perfect for the times when it’s poring with rain or you are fording ice cold rivers and have items that need to stay dry. Bring a dry bag to your hike and know you’ll be helping out your hiking partners.
Ice
It’s one thing to have tepid water to drink while you are hiking and quite another to have warm beers waiting for you at your destination. Plan ahead (as far as possible) and make sure someone has thought about your post-hike beverages.
Meditative moments
Sociable animals that we are, it’s natural that we have heaps to share and discuss with our hiking buddies. But make it a ‘thing’ that you start each morning’s hike with a 1/2hr-1hr silent spell. No talking, no chit chat. Just silence. The effect on the group dynamic will be profound and you will all benefit from the inner reflection whilst immersing yourself in the wilds.
And finally, a Dune Daisies must-have: don’t forget to pack your sense of humour …
Let us know what else you think us daisies should pack next time we hit the hills!
Cabbage salad
1/4 cabbage or biggish baby cabbage
1 each of the following – red onion, beetroot, large carrot, tart green apple
a root of ginger
a handful of raisins
a handful of mixed seeds, eg pumpkin, sunflower, chia seeds, cashews
a block of mature cheddar (chopped into small squares) or 1 tuna sachet (can omit for vegetarians).
Olive oil & salt to taste.
Chop finely, mix and divide amongst your hiking pals.
Whoops-a-daisies - The ugly side of our other 'national flower'
At Dune Daisies, we like nothing better than to walk our dogs on the beach, make the most of the beautiful surroundings and meet our daily fitness goals. We check out the marine life, fill our lungs with ozone and let the sand tickle in-between our toes. It’s all very wonderful – until the soft sand underfoot is replaced by discarded sweet wrappers, cigarette butts, washed up soft drink cans and dumped refuse.
Our ‘whoops-a-daisies’ for this month (and not such a funny one at that) is marine litter.
Millions of tons of plastic and marine waste wash up on the world’s beaches every year (SST). We have all watched appalled at clips of people around the globe wading through literal ‘seas’ of waste. The ocean, beaches, intertidal zones, rivers, estuaries and all that live and depend on them are literally choking on a never-ending deluge of plastic and rubbish. And unfortunately, it is now happening on our doorsteps.
“The greatest threat to our planet is that someone else will save it”
Robert Swan
Here at home, it is estimated that up to a ¼ million tons of rubbish enters South Africa’s oceans as marine litter every year. We are ranked as one of the top marine polluters in the world (UNEP)! Not something to be proud of.Here’s some sobering facts:
- South Africans generate up to 1000 tons of plastic waste each day (SST)
- 80% of marine litter originates on land (UNEP)
- Over half of plastic marine litter is from ‘on-the-go’ food packaging (eg food wrappers) (Ocean Pledge)
- The amount of plastic waste entering the world’s oceans are exponentially growing each year (with an estimated 250 million tons by 2025) (Ocean Pledge)
What can we do in the face of this depressingly enormous problem? First of all – don’t panic! There are LOTS of ways that you, as the individual Dune Daisy reader can make a difference.
Lobby at a provincial/country/global scale
- Take a look at UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme www.unep.org for info on SA’s Sustainable Development Goals and Sea Shepherd www.seashepherd.org, WESSA www.wessa.org.za WWW South Africa www.wwf.org.za and the Sustainable Seas Trust www.sst.org.za for multiple ways to become involved.
Organise a beach clean-up in your area
- There are lots of organised coastal clean-ups, check facebook & Instagram for one near you. The Kromme Trust here in St Francis Bay organises clean-ups www.stfranciskrommetrust.co.za as do the local surf clubs (Slipway Surf Club and Seal Point Boardriders Club). Or else, grab some friends and family members, a few bags and tongs and go pick up.
Sign your own ocean pledge
- Check out www.oceanpledge.org for some life changing, inspiring ways to make a difference.
“The trash and litter of nature disappears into the ground with the passing of each year, but man’s litter has more permanence”
John Steinbeck
Download the Marine Debris Checker
- Part of the Beach Co-op www.thebeachcoop.org, this nifty app allows you to record your beach clean-up activities and contribute towards larger scale research – pretty cool, hey?
Take the Zero to Ocean Hero Challenge
- WWW South Africa has a 5 week challenge you can sign up for – we have, do you have what it takes? www.explore.panda.org
Make July Plastic Free
- Become part of a global movement to reduce plastic use and take the ‘Plastic Free July’ challenge. This website is jam packed full of info and will show you many ways to reduce your plastic usage. www.plasticfreejuly.org
Walking amongst the Daisies - The healing power of nature
Have you ever returned home after a walk on the beach feeling revitalised and bursting full of good cheer? And have you ever watched your kids (or fur babies) sleep ever so soundly after a good run in the park? Yes?
Well, did you realise that you were not simply taking the dog out for a walk or getting fit? You were also visiting mother nature’s medicine chest. One that offers a cornucopia of treatments for not only physical ailments, but anxiety, depression, learning disorders, fatigue … the list goes on.
We are all too aware of the widespread soul ‘sore-ness’ of ourselves, our friends and our communities. Often, a visit to the doctor is the first port of call. Medication, together with (hopefully) some kind of therapy is prescribed. Sometimes this works, most often not.
But how cool is this – doctors around the world have woken up to the fact that pharmaceutically based medication may not always be the answer (or the only one). Those in the know are actually prescribing time in nature as the medicine. Instead of taking the latest antidepressant, a daily walk into the forest or hiking on a nature trail is written on the doctor’s note. Patients in Canada, New Zealand, the UK and Japan have all enjoyed such ‘green prescriptions’. And the benefits of spending more time in nature are astounding, especially for kids.
It’s something that we have always intuitively known, but lost as society has further dissociated from nature. Well, Mother Nature is calling us back – and it’s time to heed her call.
The next time you are feeling tired and a bit cranky (and let’s face it, it happens to the best of us), grab your child, your dog, your bestie or even just your water bottle, and head outside. To the water’s edge, the sandy dune, the fynbos trail or even just to go stand under that gorgeous milk wood tree over there.
And take a moment. And another. And just breathe. And just listen. And just be.
I can guarantee that when you walk back inside your front door that you’ll feel better equipped to deal with what was next on your to-do list.
We really should update ‘mother knows best’ (personally I’m a fake it ‘till I make it kind of mum) to ‘Mother Nature knows best’. Because she really does.
“Nature itself is the best physician”
Hippocrates
Dune Reading
Hardman, Isabel (2020), The Natural Health Service, Atlantic Books, London, UK ISBN978-1786495907
Dig Deeper
Wild Green Sally (Nature writer and conservationist)
“You should sit in nature for 20 minutes a day … unless you’re busy, then you should sit for an hour.”
Zen saying
Animal assisted: petting farms / building relationships with dogs and horses
Arts & crafts: creativity outdoors (in a park/forest) for inspiration or using natural materials such as clay, grass in an outdoor setting
Conservation: pairing of protecting spaces in nature with physical exercise
Dark nature: stargazing at night
Green exercise: running/bike riding in nature
Therapeutic horticulture: growing food in community gardens
Wilderness therapy: group hiking, making shelters